The MPPSC Forest Service Examination is a prestigious state-level competitive exam conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) to recruit officers for the State Forest Department. This examination is primarily held for posts such as Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and Forest Ranger, which play a vital role in forest administration, wildlife conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources in the state.
The selection process is designed to assess candidates on both intellectual and physical parameters. It includes a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, followed by an Interview and Physical Tests. Unlike many other state services, the Forest Service exam places special emphasis on environmental awareness, general aptitude, and physical fitness, reflecting the field-oriented nature of the job.
Through this examination, MPPSC aims to select capable and disciplined officers who can effectively protect forest resources, implement environmental policies, and contribute to ecological balance and biodiversity conservation in Madhya Pradesh.
MPPSC Forest Service Exam 2026: Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Notification Number | 30/2025 (Dated: 31.12.2025) |
| Total Vacancies | 36 (ACF: 6, Forest Ranger: 30) |
| Application Period | 10.01.2026 to 09.02.2026 |
| Exam Date (Prelims) | 26.04.2026 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Release | 16.04.2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Engineering/Technical branch |
| Age Limit (as of 01.01.26) | ACF: 21–40 years; Forest Ranger: 21–33 years |
| Official Website | Click Here |
MPPSC Forest Service Exam 2026: Exam Pattern
The recruitment follows a structured five-stage process to ensure only the most capable candidates are selected.
| Stage of Examination | Key Details |
| Preliminary Examination (Common Screening) | • Two objective-type papers (OMR based) • Paper I: General Studies (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) • Paper II: General Aptitude Test (02:15 PM – 04:15 PM) • Crucial Difference: For Forest Service, merit list is prepared using combined scores of Paper I & II (unlike State Services where only Paper I is considered) • Negative marking applicable |
| Main Examination | • Candidates shortlisted: 20 times the number of vacancies • Objective-type (OMR based) • Negative marking applicable • One paper divided into Section ‘A’ and Section ‘B’ |
| Interview & Physical Tests | • Interview: Conducted for candidates shortlisted 3 times the vacancies • Physical Standard Test (PST): Minimum height – Male: 163 cm, Female: 150 cm (UR/SC/OBC) • Physical Capacity Test (ACF): 25 km walk (Male) & 14 km walk (Female) to be completed within 4 hours |
MPPSC Forest Service Exam 2026: Syllabus
I. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
The Prelims consists of two papers. For the Forest Service, merit is calculated using the combined marks of both Paper I and Paper II.
| Paper | Subject | Units & Key Topics |
| Paper I | General Studies | 1. History, Culture & Literature of MP 2. History of India 3. Geography of India & MP 4. Constitutional System & Economy of India/MP 5. Science, Environment & Health 6. ICT (Robotics, AI, Cyber Security) 7. Tribes of MP (Heritage & Culture) |
| Paper II | General Aptitude | 1. Comprehension & Interpersonal Skills 2. Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability 3. Decision Making & Problem Solving 4. Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation (Class X level) 5. Hindi Language Comprehension (Class X level) |
Main Examination (Specialized Forestry)
The Mains exam is objective-type (OMR-based) and consists of one paper divided into two sections. Negative marking applies.
Section A: General Studies (MP Specific)
| Unit | Subject | Detailed Topics |
| 1 | History of MP | Major dynasties, contribution to the freedom movement, art, and architecture. |
| 2 | Geography of MP | Forest produce, rivers, climate, and natural resources. |
| 3 | Polity & Economy | Panchayati Raj, administrative system, and sustainable development in MP. |
| 4 | Current Events | Significant national and international affairs with a focus on MP. |
| 5 | ICT | Computer basics, E-governance, and social networking sites. |
Section B: Forestry & General Science
This is the core technical section of the exam.
| Unit | Subject | Detailed Topics |
| 1-4 | Forestry | Silviculture, Forest Mensuration (height/volume), Forest Utilization (wood products), and Forest Legislation (Acts of 1927, 1972, 1980, 2006). |
| 5 | Tribes of MP | Characteristics, major fairs, and government welfare programs. |
| 6-8 | General Science | Chemistry: Chemical reactions, acids/bases, metallurgy. Physics: Electricity, magnetism, nature of light. Biology: Human respiratory/reproductive systems, heredity. |
| 9 | Environment | Biodiversity hotspots, conservation techniques, and pollution control. |
| 10 | Mathematics | Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry (Arithmetic is usually included). |
MPPSC Forest Service Exam 2026: Preparation Tips
Phase 1: Preliminary Strategy
| Subject | Focus Areas | Preparation Strategy |
| Paper I: General Studies | MP Geography, History, Polity, and Current Affairs. | Focus heavily on MP-specific data. Use official government reports for forest statistics. |
| Paper II: Aptitude | Logical reasoning, Math, and Hindi/English comprehension. | Since these marks are added to your merit, do not treat this as just a qualifying paper. Practice daily. |
Phase 2: Mains & Physical Conditioning
| Component | Requirement | Action Plan |
| Technical Syllabus | Science and Technology, Environment, Forestry. | Review your graduation-level science basics. Stay updated on environmental laws and MP forest policies. |
| Physical Endurance | 25 km/14 km walk in 4 hours. | Start walking long distances twice a week. Ensure you can maintain a steady pace for 4 hours without exhaustion. |
| Document Readiness | Employment Registration & Certificates. | Ensure your MP Employment Registration is valid at the time of the interview. Keep your 10th-grade marksheet as proof of age. |
Read Related Blogs
| RSSB Lab Technician Exam Pattern And Syllabus | Click Here |
| IB MTS Exam Pattern And Syllabus | Click Here |